Lang Family Will Have More Than One Representative at FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup

It would be an understatement to say that Pierce Lang has been around soccer for the majority of his life. The sport has been his life for as long as he can remember.

His sister, Kara, is known as one of the greatest women to ever lace up a pair of cleats for Canada, but Pierce’s true obsession for the sport comes from his mom.

Although he credits his dad, Brian, with a lot of the soccer parent duties growing up – including taking him often to practice – Pierce got his passion from his mom, Moya Lang.

“My mom was a pretty big influence in our lives,” said Pierce. “That’s where the real love of the game came from.”

His love of the game will bring him to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Canada 2014 this summer in Toronto where games will be played out of the National Soccer Stadium starting on August 5th.

Now studying Broadcast Journalism at Sheridan College in his hometown of Oakville, ON, Pierce is relishing at the opportunity to work on his craft as a member of the media and broadcast volunteer team.

His calling for broadcasting came after years of working in the restaurant industry. Pierce started a soccer podcast with a couple of friends and got the opportunity to interview several coaches and athletes across Canada.

Pierce’s volunteer commitment to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Canada 2014 will now provide him with a surrounding where he can soak up as much knowledge as he possibly can.

Pierce will be one of approximately 250 volunteers taking part in the event and one of 21 volunteers working directly with the media. Volunteers are an integral part of any major sporting event, especially one that reaches so many eyeballs in different countries.

“I saw it would be a great opportunity to get involved in an event taking place here in Canada and a game that I love,” said Pierce. “It’s a win-win. I am able to provide my volunteer time and I get valuable experience in return.”

As a media volunteer, Pierce will get hands on experience and will part of a team ensuring a smooth workplace for some of Canada’s biggest names in journalism.

Media volunteers, like Pierce, will be the first contact point for media representatives, passing on the latest statistical information, helping organise and coordinate news conferences and assisting reporters in the media centre and press tribune.
Volunteers will also be outfitted with specially made adidas uniform to commemorate the event.

However, Pierce won’t be the only member of his family positively impacting soccer in Canada this summer. Kara will also be taking part in the festivities as one of Canada’s Official Ambassadors for the upcoming FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup and next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™.

“I think this is great for her,” added Pierce. “I think she left the game as a player a little earlier than she had wanted to. For her to still be involved and to use her influence to bring attention to this is fantastic.”

Kara, who is working as a soccer analyst and reporter, is flourishing in the world of broadcasting and the thought of the two Langs becoming the best in the industry one day did not slip from Pierce’s thoughts.

“I don’t know about that,” Pierce said with a laugh. ”But we’ll see!”

Canada will be featured in the opening match of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Toronto against Ghana on August 5th and will also face Finland on August 8th.

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